New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday called for a national food processing policy for the rapid growth of the sector.
"The policy to be effective will have to be comprehensive and adopt a number of legislative, administrative and promotional measures," the prime minister said while inaugurating the first conference of state ministers of food processing industries here.
"The policy should evolve through discussions with the states and industries. It should promote the development of viable agri-business and agro-industry models based on different agro-climates and regions," he said.
Manmohan Singh said the food processing sector had the potential to be an industry driver that can transform the economy.
Ministers and officials from all states are attending the conference, organsied by the ministry of food processing industries.